Ten minute check-up before you buy a used bicycle.

·        It's important to have the seller put the bicycle on a bicycle stand.

·        Check the tires for cracking (old tires) and wear.

·        Check for loose and missing spokes.

·        See if the wheels run true to the brake pads.

·        Make sure the brake pads don’t rub the wheels.

·        Examine the brake pads. Are they worn out?

·        Make sure the bearings have been cleaned and re-greased.

·        Is the bicycle meticulously clean?

·        Has the seat post and handle bar stem been greased?

·        Are the drive chain and gears clean and oiled?

·        Do the gears shift smoothly between gears?

·        Are the handle bar grips and seat in good shape?

·        Do the pedals spin freely? Are they worn out?

·        Are there parts that are rusty or broken?

·        Have all the moving parts been oiled?

·        Do all the moving parts seem to move freely?

·        Examine the cables and cable sheathings, are they frayed?

·        Examine the wheels are the braking surfaces rough and deeply grooved?

·        Move the wheels side to side to check for play.

·        Move the cranks side to side to check for play.

If all of the above checks are OK then you have a bicycle that will give you many

years of reliable service.  A used bicycle can be a real bargain if it has been properly

reconditioned.

My Humble Shop

This my humble shop.  I don't have every tool yet.  I buy them as I need them.  Yes, sometimes I use an adjustable jaw wrench.

My shop is just a single garage.  But I enjoy my work.

I now offer the option of having your wheels trued rather than adjusted.

I use a lot of bicycle specific tools.

Bicycle specific tools are expensive.  I buy them as I need them.